Google Pixel 8a might finally bring faster charging support

Okay, Pixel users, let’s be honest – as much as we adore the A-series phones with their amazing cameras and budget-friendly prices, the charging situation has been less than thrilling. As someone who has been using the Pixel 7a alongside the OnePlus 11 with its insane 100W charging capability, the Pixel seems like it’s several generations behind in charging time.

Well, rumor has it that the Pixel 8a might finally break that mold. Yogesh Brar, a well-known leaker, has spilled some potential specs, and they’re looking good. We’re talking about the same powerful Tensor G3 chip as the flagship Pixel 8 and that awesome 64MP + 13MP camera setup from the 7a. ICYMI: the Pixel 7a was in the number 1 spot in MKBHD’s blind smartphone camera test.

But the real kicker? A possible upgrade to around 27W wired charging speeds. That could potentially cut our charging woes in half, a huge win for those of us who value quick top-ups! This change would put the Pixel 8a leagues ahead of its predecessors in the charging department. However, still not quite on the same level as other mid-rangers.

Now, there’s no word on wireless charging, so I’d expect at least the same 7.5W speeds. Since I hardly ever use wireless charging, I’d personally not bummed about the potentially slower charging. But if you’ve been hoping for faster top-ups without plugging in, then you might be in for a disappointment.

Other exciting tidbits include a possible 120Hz OLED display, a 13MP selfie camera, and the latest Android 14 right out of the box. Oh, and let’s not forget that potential release in May for a price that might hover around $500-$550.

With this, the Pixel 8a is shaping up to be a compelling little phone that might blur the line between mid-range and flagship even further. So far, Google seems to be on track to nailing my wishlist for the Pixel 8a.

Featured image credits: OnLeaks / Smartprix